Hawaii’s Renowned Tourism Brand

Tourism executives ventured outside Waikiki in late April to meet in the heart of Bishop Street with First Hawaiian Bank’s chairman and CEO Don Horner to discuss the visitor industry and its place in Hawaii’s economy. The event was sponsored by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association’s Oahu Chapter.

While Bishop Street and Kalakaua Avenue may seem worlds apart, Don made it clear that the visitor industry should be held in high esteem, and he recognized its tremendous contributions to the state’s prosperity. He offered a number of observations about the visitor industry, among them:

Tourism is, in fact, an “export” business that brings billions of dollars in offshore revenue to Hawaii each year.

Tourism is a stable industry for our state. It’s literally a bricks-and-mortar industry that will remain in the Islands. “Unlike other industries, people can’t take away hotels and move them back to the Mainland,” he said.

Much of the infrastructure on the Neighbor Islands – roads, schools, water, sewers – would not have been constructed without the infusion of revenue from tourism.

Our travel industry leaders have positioned Hawaii over the last few years as a world leader; we have steadily gained market share over our international competition. And our “brand” is world-renowned.

Tourism is not an “old industry,” as some have described it. It has become a “high tech” industry with very good-paying jobs. Hawaii tourism has reinvented itself over the years, and “other Hawaii businesses can learn a lot” from its success, said the FHB head.

Tourism is a “green industry” that promotes eco-tourism, and its success depends on a pristine Hawaiian natural environment.

The travel industry very much assisted in perpetuating our host culture in terms of music and dance by encouraging the fact that without our Hawaiian culture, Hawaii would not be unique.

Horner concluded: “Tourism represents 40 percent of our jobs statewide, directly or indirectly. We eat out of the same rice bowl. If tourism is healthy, the state will be healthy.”

It was the first time many of the executives had been to the upper floors of the bank’s downtown tower, and they appreciated the words of support from “Bishop Street” – words that everyone in Hawaii should take to heart.

MUFI’S TOURISM HEROES

Timmy Tin

Position: Maintenance Mechanic

Location: Kaua’i Marriott Resort

Timmy Tin is a jack-of-all-trades with a tool belt on his hip and a heart of gold.

This invaluable person has been employed at the same property for 23 years – when it was the Westin Kaua’i and now Kaua’i Marriott Resort. His enthusiasm and knowhow have earned him the respect of his fellow employees, while his lengthy experience enables him to complete any task.

Tin is renowned for his generosity, donating to local charities and helping the less fortunate build homes for themselves.

Says one supervisor, “Timmy’s giving comes from the heart … He makes a huge difference in people’s lives every day.”